Megan Jo McDonald (born February 18, 1959) is an American children's literature author; her most popular works is the series of books which center around a third grade girl named Judy Moody (written for grades 2-4). McDonald has also written many picture books for younger children and continues to write. Her most recent work was the "Julie Albright" series of books for the American public.
McDonald was born February 28, 1959, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to John and Mary Louise McDonald. The youngest of five girls, she was (having been her inspiration for The Sister's Club) awarded a B.A. from Oberlin College in 1981 and an M.L.S. from University of Pittsburgh in 1985.
McDonald began her career as a children's librarian, working at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Minneapolis Public Library and Adams Memorial Library in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Her first book, Is This a House for Hermit Crab?, came as a result of patrons asking her where to find a story she had told at a library.
McDonald is married and lives in Sebastopol, California.
The Judy Moody series follows the humorous adventures of a third-grader, Judy Moody. A spin-off series follows her younger brother, nicknamed Stink. All of the books are illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds.
Judy Moody books:
Judy Moody (Candlewick Press, 2000)
Judy Moody Gets Famous! (Candlewick Press, 2001)
Judy Moody Saves the World! (Candlewick Press, 2002)
Judy Moody Predicts the Future (Candlewick Press, 2003)
Judy Moody, Doctor Judy Moody (Candlewick Press, 2004)